As embedded devices increasingly include connectivity as a standard feature, the Internet of Things is at risk of exposing the Insecurity of Things. Software vendors are offering a variety of security-specific solutions to protect embedded devices, including anti-malware technology, whitelisting/blacklisting, access control, data encryption, user authentication, and real-time threat analysis, as well as maintenance, support, and professional services. VDC Research forecasts that the global market for these embedded software security solutions will rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26% from 2012 to 2016. A new report from VDC details revenues, regional breakouts, vertical markets, and leading vendor share for this burgeoning market.

Hackers and malware are finding tempting targets in connected devices across all vertical markets, from consumer electronics and automobiles to medical equipment and military hardware. These risks threaten to dampen the transformational potential of the Internet of Things, but security vendors such as McAfee (Intel Security), Symantec, and Trend Micro are rising to the occasion.

Chris Rommel, VDC’s Executive VP for Embedded Technology said:

“With the explosion of the Internet of Things, OEMs need to shore up embedded device security to prevent their products from becoming a new class of low hanging fruit for hackers to attack.”